Austin Bible Church
There are certain types of carnal believers from whom you must separate. Their practices and behaviors are listed in 1 Corinthians 5:1 and 1 Corinthians 5:9-11.
“It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father’s wife.” (1 Corinthians 5:1, NASB)
“I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.” (1 Corinthians 5:9-11, NASB)
Separation from negative believers includes those who downgrade or reject Bible doctrine and that may be 99% of the believers in some areas. You can tell when a person is on negative signals. 2 Thess. 3:6; 2 Thess. 3:14-15.
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6, NASB)
“If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, NASB)
Separation from believers negative to Bible doctrine includes those who make emotion the criterion for spirituality and thus enter into pseudo-spirituality. Rom. 16:17-18.
“Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.” (Romans 16:17-18, NASB)
Stay away from believers who are in the Tongues movement and those who make outward emotionalism an expression of spirituality. This also includes separation from believers involved with the fast crowd or the wrong crowd. 1 Peter 4:4; Prov. 1:10-19.
“In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you;” (1 Peter 4:4, NASB)
“My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait for blood, Let us ambush the innocent without cause; Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, Even whole, as those who go down to the pit; We will find all kinds of precious wealth, We will fill our houses with spoil; Throw in your lot with us, We shall all have one purse,” My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path, For their feet run to evil And they hasten to shed blood. Indeed, it is useless to spread the baited net In the sight of any bird; But they lie in wait for their own blood; They ambush their own lives. So are the ways of everyone who gains by violence; It takes away the life of its possessors.” (Proverbs 1:10-19, NASB)
We are mandated to separate from unbelievers when you have to compromise in areas of doctrine. 2 Cor. 6:14; Heb. 13:13.
“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14, NASB)
“So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.” (Hebrews 13:13, NASB)
Marriage of a believer to an unbeliever is prohibited. It isn’t wrong to date an unbeliever. It’s wrong to get involved romantically with an unbeliever. However, dating is not really necessary until you meet the right kind of man or the right kind of woman. Bible doctrine in the right lobe of the soul enables discernment to recognize the right kind of man or the right kind of woman.
Separation may involve fraternities and sororities with compulsory dating and drinking. West Point, Annapolis, and Colorado Springs are all superior because they have no fraternities. Care should be exercised when entering into a business partnership with an unbeliever. Their human viewpoint thinking and worldliness may require separation. Rom. 12:1-2.
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2, NASB)
The believer is to separate from religion and apostacy. 2 Cor. 6:17; 2 Tim. 3:5.
““Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord. “AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17, NASB)
“holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.” (2 Timothy 3:5, NASB)
Religion victimizes believers by putting scar tissue on their souls or getting them involved with those who are negative to Bible doctrine. Activity is the measure of success under such conditions. For a discourse on religion, read 2 Timothy 3.